Damion Lowe

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected with 8th overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft on January 16, 2014.

Lowe did not mince words shortly after being drafted by the Sounders: “I’m a warrior.” The rangy Jamaican center back was on few draft radars in 2014 out of northeast college program Hartford until the MLS Combine. Lowe broke out in South Florida, cementing himself as a top defensive project with the added roster benefit of a Generation adidas contract. The Sounders jumped on him early, hedging on his size and aerial ability. Lowe is a terrifying marker on aerial balls. He can practically jump over the crossbar.

INTERNATIONAL: As of the start of the 2016 season Lowe had not made a full Jamaican national team appearance, but he did represent Jamaica at the 2013 U20 CONCACAF Championships.

COLLEGE: Lowe spent three seasons at Hartford, where he broke through to MLS radars as one of the most consistent defenders in the nation. Despite the relatively small exposure of the America East Conference, Lowe’s 44 games, eight goals and multiple honors earned him a Generation adidas contract.

NOTES: Lowe is the son of former Jamaican international Onandi Lowe, who played 13 matches and scored four goals for Sporting Kansas City in 2001.